Iraqi forces attack ISIL in Akashat near Syria border

Offensive in Akashat, which is supported by US-led air alliance, aims to tighten Iraq's hold on its border with Syria.

Iraqi forces are seen outside the town of Akashat, northwest of the al-Anbar province [Moadh Al-Dulaimi/AFP]

Iraqi armed forces have started an offensive to dislodge ISIL fighters from an area on the border with Syria, south of the Euphrates river.

The offensive, which began on Saturday, is supported by a US-led air alliance. It is also aimed at tightening Iraq's hold on its border with Syria, a spokesman for Iraq's Joint Operations Command, Brigadier Yehia Rasool, said in a statement.

"Iraqi forces are progressing towards the specified aim of cutting routes leading to Akashat and controlling the international borders with Syria in order to prevent terrorists' infiltration," he said.

The offensive in the Akashat region, which has natural gas reserves, is meant to pave the way for the seizure of ISIL-held towns in the Euphrates river valley, including the border post of al-Qaim, military statements said.